it was cleaned

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It was cleaned" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this sentence in a variety of contexts, for example: "The countertop had been neglected for weeks, but when the new cleaning service arrived, it was cleaned in a matter of minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was cleaned at the time with Soilax, a commercial cleaning product containing trisodium phosphate to remove the grime, and a solution of Chloramine-T, a biocide and mild disinfectant used as bleaching agent and containing N-chlorinated and N-deprotonated sulfonamide, to level the stains in the canvas [43].

Heritage Science

It was cleaned and restored to working order.

The New York Times

"Some people got very upset when it was cleaned.

The New York Times

"My jaw dropped after it was cleaned," he said.

The New York Times

That was the color of the ceiling before it was cleaned.

The New York Times - Travel

Doctors said people could continue to eat chicken, provided it was cleaned.

The New York Times

It was cleaned up over the years but maybe only just.

The New York Times

The murky green background suddenly became gray after it was cleaned.

The New York Times - Arts

The intense colors remind me of the Sistine Chapel after it was cleaned".

The New York Times

It was cleaned by the tide through openings at each end.

The Guardian

Depending on when and how it was cleaned, you may not be sleeping and showering by yourself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cleaning processes, specify the method or agent used to enhance clarity. For instance, instead of just stating "it was cleaned", provide more detail like "it was cleaned with soap and water" or "it was cleaned using a specialized solvent".

Common error

Avoid using "it was cleaned" without specifying who or what performed the cleaning action, as this can make your writing vague. Whenever possible, rephrase to use the active voice. For example, instead of "it was cleaned", try "the cleaning crew cleaned it" or "the staff cleaned it thoroughly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was cleaned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a particular object or area has undergone a cleaning process. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The subject is receiving the action, rather than performing it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

48%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was cleaned" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to convey that something has undergone a cleaning process. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts. The frequency with which it appears in diverse sources, including news articles and scientific papers, demonstrates its widespread applicability. While the phrase is versatile, enriching it with specifics about the method or agent of cleaning can improve clarity. Furthermore, avoiding overuse of the passive voice can enhance the overall strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was sanitized

Emphasizes the removal of germs and bacteria, implying a higher standard of cleanliness.

it was washed

Focuses on cleaning with water, suitable for removing dirt or stains.

it was cleared

Implies the removal of obstructions or unwanted items, making something free or accessible.

it was restored

Suggests returning something to its original condition, often after damage or wear.

it was purified

Implies the removal of impurities, making something pure or refined.

it was decontaminated

Highlights the removal of hazardous substances, making something safe.

it was tidied up

Focuses on organizing and arranging, making something neat and orderly.

it was scrubbed

Emphasizes a thorough cleaning with friction, removing stubborn dirt or grime.

it was wiped down

Suggests a quick cleaning with a cloth, removing surface dirt or spills.

it was disinfected

Focuses on killing germs and bacteria, providing a level of protection from illness.

FAQs

What does "it was cleaned" imply?

The phrase "it was cleaned" generally implies that something has been subjected to a process of removing dirt, stains, or impurities to improve its appearance or hygiene. The specific context determines the exact method and level of cleaning.

How can I make the sentence "it was cleaned" more specific?

To make the sentence more specific, you can add details about the cleaning method, the cleaning agent, or the person or thing that performed the cleaning. For example, "it was cleaned with bleach", "the floor was cleaned by the janitor", or "it was cleaned thoroughly".

What's the difference between "it was cleaned" and "it was sanitized"?

"It was cleaned" generally means that visible dirt and debris have been removed. "It was sanitized" indicates that steps were taken to reduce the number of germs to a safe level, although not necessarily eliminating all of them.

What are some alternatives to saying "it was cleaned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it was washed", "it was cleared", "it was restored", or "it was purified" to provide a more precise description of the cleaning process.